Promoting listings

[lee10742]

Just doing a small store for enjoyment but was wondering if there is any advantage to Promotions or is it just another way for eBay to take a bite out of my small profit?

[1grandmashope_1]

I have sold many items through promoted listings, but I don't know if they would of sold in the same time frame if they were not promoted.  With that said, it is a win win in my book.  

Here is to your success, whatever you decide,

Grandma

[lee10742]

Thanks for reply....just wanted someone's opinion.  I just do this "for fun" but didn't know if this approach was really worth it.  Thanks again!

[uncseniorsportsfan]

I have tried it on a couple of occasions with no success.  

IMHO it depends on what you sell and the level of competition.    If you are selling items for which there is little competition - don't waste your money. 

[onlinecentral]

Has anyone experimented with Promoted Listings?
https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/Has-anyone-experimented-with-Promoted-Listings/td-p/31124698

[dhbookds]

I use it and think it helps get items in front of people who aren't necessarily shopping for that item......and so it sometimes sells....... Doesn't cost anything, if it doesn't sell.

You have some really cute kid's clothing......so getting it out there where grandma's can "relate".........oh, that would be just perfect for "Bobby" who is now so into baseball......etc......

One thing........I would not go with "trending" rates.......just start with low %'s......2 or 3% and see what happens.

I also never put it on "new" listings.........only on those that have been up awhile.....  My thought is somethings can sell pretty quickly and they don't need the "boost" in advertising.

just my thoughts........

[lee10742]

Thanks for your input.... I'll try only using it on items I've had for a while.  Thanks again!

[flp]

I usually only do 2% and almost every item is promoted.  My sales in July were up by 1/3.

[luckythewinner]

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@lee10742 wrote:

Just doing a small store for enjoyment but was wondering if there is any advantage to Promotions or is it just another way for eBay to take a bite out of my small profit?

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IMHO there are as many answers to this question as there are sellers - and for each seller, the answer will likely vary by item.

Does your item even need to be promoted in order to be found? If the typical buyer looking for your item only finds a handful of results, then your item will be seen on the first page and IMHO there is little need to promote it. 

On the other hand, if your item is lost in a sea of thousands of search results, promoting it may help a lot.

But if you only have a small profit as it is, the fundamental issue may not be the additional promotion fee - it may be your acquisition costs, your pricing, or the lack of sufficient demand. 

business model 

[lee10742]

You're probably right about the acquisition cost....since I'm 80 years old there's not much else to do except shop.  I usually just see an item and buy it, then just try to recoup my cost plus ebay fees, not in it for the  profit, although it wouldn't hurt to make something on my purchases.  I'll take your advice and try to watch my spending before I put something on eBay.  Thanks for the useful suggestion.

[inhawaii]

I know everyone is going to have their own opinions or "system" on promoted listings.

What works for me is ... on selected items that i want to promote, i select the lowest setting (1%) just so that i am participating in the program.  I pay a few pennies only if it sells through promoted listings.  I've been having good success.

Good luck and stay safe!